An effective field theory of $\alpha$ cluster condensation is formulated as a spontaneously broken symmetry in quantum field theory to understand the raison d'etre and nature of the Hoyle and $\alpha$ cluster states in $^{ 12}$C. The Nambu--Goldstone and Higgs mode operators in infinite systems are replaced with a pair of canonical operators whose Hamiltonian gives rise to discrete energy states in addition to the Bogoliubov--de Gennes excited states. The calculations reproduce well the experimental spectrum of the $\alpha$ cluster states. The existence of the Nambu--Goldstone--Higgs states is demonstrated and crucial. The $\gamma$ decay transitions are also obtained.
Categories: nucl-th